Methodical McGill good value to climb further up rankings

Riga Masters
Eurosport 1, 9am Friday

The first world-ranking event of the 2017-18 snooker season cues off in earnest on Friday morning with a solid field hitting the baize in the Riga Masters over the next three days.

World champion Mark Selby has withdrawn and opened up the top half of the draw for world number seven Neil Robertson. However, the 2010 Crucible king has struggled for form over the last 12 months and even though he is defending his title this week, Robertson looks a vulnerable favourite in Latvia.

While the Thunder from Down Under was lifting silverware in Sheffield, Anthony McGill was cutting his teeth on the tour having just turned professional and he has come a long way in those seven years.

Last season was comfortably his most successful to date, and the 26-year-old Scot landed his first ranking title of note in the Indian Open before following up with success in the Coral Shoot-Out.

McGill showed a fair level of form when beating Craig Stead­man in his China Championship qualifier in Preston earlier this month and the Glaswegian can start this season well with a bold showing over this short format.

McGill continues his climb the rankings and, despite having his qualification match carried over to the venue, he looks a value bet at prices as big as 28-1 with a nice draw.

Without doubt the most eye-catching result of the qualifiers for this tournament was Shaun Murphy's 4-2 defeat at the hands of Luca Brecel, who could enjoy a decent campaign.

The 22-year-old Belgian, who entered many notebooks when showing considerable promise as a youngster, received a wild card for the main tour as a professional in 2011.

He has been making gradual strides, but he may now possess the maturity needed to go deep in tournaments such as this and is a player to watch this season.

Recommendations
A McGill
1pt each-way 28-1 Coral, Ladbrokes
L Brecel
1pt each-way 33-1 BetBright, Betfred